The 21.3 megawatt Thulo Khola Hydropower Project, located in Kuinemangle, Ward No. 8 of Raghuganga Rural Municipality, is gearing up for test production. Developed by Sanyukta Urja Limited, the project has completed all major infrastructure works and begun testing the installed electro-mechanical equipment, according to Plant Manager Binod Paudel.

Paudel confirmed that the construction of the dam, tunnel, powerhouse, and switchyard has been completed. Turbines and other machines have been installed at the powerhouse, and preliminary testing has already been conducted. An 8-kilometer transmission line is currently under construction to connect the generated power to the national grid. The project aims to begin test production on Jestha 1 (mid-May), and tower wiring is progressing rapidly.

The dam is located at the border area of Kuinemangle and Chimkhola, and water is channeled through a tunnel and penstock pipe to the powerhouse built on the banks of the Raghuganga River in a location called Chhiri. The project features a 3,382-meter tunnel and a 634-meter penstock tunnel.

The project has a total estimated cost of Rs. 3.6 billion (360 crores). It is funded through 30% equity from Nepali and non-resident Nepali (NRN) investors, and 70% loan financing from banks and financial institutions. Nepal Bank Limited leads the consortium, with Sunrise Bank, Rastriya Banijya Bank, and Siddhartha Bank also participating in the financing.

The civil works contract was awarded to Sakura-Power Triple S JV, while the electro-mechanical contract was handled by Toyer Hydro. Once operational, the project is expected to significantly contribute to Nepal’s electricity supply and local development.